Northern Rangers formed in 1996 when a group of players playing our amateur 6 a side competition based in Riverside decided to combine their teams to form one 11 aside team and enter into the NTJSA under the banner of the Northern Tasmanian Christian Soccer League Rangers (NTCSL Rangers). For many of us this was our first dig at the world game in a 11 a side format and all under 16.
The 1997 Under 16 NTCSL Rangers (Red) Side, from top left - J.Vos, S.Hidding, M.Dingemanse, L.Connors, R.Tams, S.Kuipers, N.Groenwold, D.Hughes. Front - T.Armstrong, S.Groenwold, B.Lichtendonk, N.Moore, S.Hidding, G.Connors.
Around 18 players formed the first Northern Rangers side ever, two are still playing here today Luke Connors, and Brendan Lichtendonk. Our then club president and co founder David Hughes would still be here today I'm sure if he had not moved to the USA to further his career. The first taste of the real game was the taste of success with NRFC going threw the 96 season undefeated and not one goal conceded to win the under 16 premiership in our debut season and this was against strong opposition including Launceston City, Launceston, Northern Eagles, George Town, Riverside Olympic and a number of school sides as well.
The 1997 Under 16 NTCSL Rangers (Red) Side, from top left - J.Vos, S.Hidding, M.Dingemanse, L.Connors, R.Tams, S.Kuipers, N.Groenwold, D.Hughes. Front - T.Armstrong, S.Groenwold, B.Lichtendonk, N.Moore, S.Hidding, G.Connors.
